The Optimal Life

Stop Outsourcing your Well-being

Elliot Barnett Season 1 Episode 11

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0:00 | 24:27

In the seminal studies that laid the foundation for Cognitive Response Therapy, an important concept was identified: Cognitive Traps. Cognitive Traps are language constructs that indicate possible issues with a person's mental well-being. The original study contained 15 Cognitive Traps, including what was referred to as "Decision Lattitude". Decision Lattitude was any language that expressed a frustration over the lack of control people had over situations they faced or people they interacted with.

This episode introduces a more nuanced version of the original Cognitive Trap by replacing Decision Lattitude with two new ones: Perceived Agency and Outsourcing Well-being. Understanding these powerful concepts can help you identify troublespots that are driving consistent high levels of stress hormones that can be the cause of many physical and mental health issues.